Auron vs Oppdal — Which Is Better?

Auron is the stronger all-round pick here — it offers more vertical than Oppdal. That said, Oppdal is no slouch, and beginners may prefer what it offers. For most holiday skiers, Auron delivers more mountain for your trip.

Side-by-Side Stats

Highlighted cells indicate the stronger result for each metric. Numbers are measurements — compare them directly.

AuronOppdal
Vertical Drop
Height from top to bottom — more is a longer, bigger mountain feeling
950m (3,117ft)712m (2,336ft)
Summit Elevation
How high the mountain reaches — higher tends to mean colder, drier snow
2,450m (8,038ft)1,257m (4,124ft)
Base Elevation
Height of the base village — affects snow quality at the bottom of the mountain
1,500m (4,921ft)545m (1,788ft)
Annual Snowfall
Average natural snowfall per season — more means better powder odds
500cm (197in)500cm (197in)
Trail Count
Total marked runs — more variety over a week-long trip
4273
Lift Count
Total lifts — more lifts typically means shorter queues and better mountain access
2118
Skiable Area
Total groomed and patrolled terrain in hectares
130ha (321ac)250ha (618ac)
Beginner Terrain
Percentage of trails rated beginner — higher means more options for new skiers
30%30%
Intermediate Terrain
Percentage of trails rated intermediate — the core terrain for most holiday skiers
50%50%
Advanced Terrain
Percentage of trails rated advanced or expert — higher means more challenge
20%20%

Category Breakdown

Auron edges ahead in more categories, though the gap is close. Both are excellent resorts.

Vertical DropAuron wins

Auron has somewhat more vertical drop, giving a slightly longer ride on most runs.

Annual SnowfallSimilar

Both resorts receive similar annual snowfall — you can expect comparable snow conditions at either.

Beginner TerrainSimilar

Both resorts offer a similar proportion of beginner terrain — neither has a meaningful edge for first-timers.

Mountain SizeOppdal wins

Oppdal is much larger — significantly more trails means more variety and far less chance of skiing the same run twice in a week.

Snow PreservationAuron wins

Auron's higher base elevation helps snow stay cold and dry longer — better conditions through the day and into spring.

Who Should Choose Which?

Auron
Beginners and families with young children

Auron has a comparable amount of beginner-friendly terrain and is a lower-pressure environment for new skiers.

Auron
Intermediate and advanced skiers wanting variety

Auron wins on the stats that matter most for experienced skiers — more mountain to explore over a full week.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better for beginners — Auron or Oppdal?

Both resorts offer a similar amount of beginner terrain (Auron: 30%, Oppdal: 30%), so neither has a clear edge for first-timers. Focus on which resort offers better ski school programs and convenience for your group.

Which resort gets more snow — Auron or Oppdal?

Auron (500 cm/year) and Oppdal (500 cm/year) receive similar annual snowfall. Neither has a meaningful snow advantage — other factors like aspect, elevation, and grooming matter more day-to-day.

Which mountain is bigger — Auron or Oppdal?

Oppdal is the larger mountain by trail count (Auron: 42 trails, Oppdal: 73 trails). On a week-long trip, a bigger mountain means more variety and a lower chance of feeling like you've exhausted the terrain.

Which has better terrain for expert skiers?

Both resorts offer a similar proportion of advanced terrain (Auron: 20%, Oppdal: 20%). Expert skiers should look beyond percentages at the quality of the black runs, off-piste access, and whether there's lift-accessed backcountry terrain.

Which resort is better for families?

Both Auron and Oppdal are similarly suited to families. Look at ski school quality, on-mountain kids' facilities, and accommodation proximity to lifts when making your final decision — those practical factors matter more than raw stats for a family trip.

Related Comparisons

Other matchups featuring these resorts and their regional peers.

Full Stats